Air Conditioning Repair in Arlington, VA: Why You Need a Professional Technician

August 5th, 2013

It may be tempting to attempt air conditioning repair yourself instead of calling in a professional. This is especially true in Arlington, VA, where hot summers make waiting for a service technician uncomfortable and inconvenient. However, the prudent homeowner will always eschew do-it-yourself projects in favor of a skilled professional technician. The reasons for doing so may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Speed: Professionals know what to look for when an air conditioning unit malfunctions. They can usually spot the problem quickly and implement a solution with a strong understanding of the right steps. A person without any training may find themselves lost in the air conditioning system’s technical specifications, wasting time and energy without knowing what exactly needs to be done.
  • Accuracy: Without the experience and know-how of a professional technician, a do-it-yourselfer may exacerbate the problem instead of solving it. For example, if ice forms on the condenser coil and a layman simply attempts to get it off, he may end up damaging the coil without solving the original problem at all. A specialist can address the cause, not just the symptoms, and make sure the issue gets properly resolved.
  • Expertise: Many people undertake do-it-yourself projects as a way of saving money. But time and effort can add up, as can the cost of doing the job without the proper know-how. Certified professionals can ensure that the problem doesn’t recur. They can also provide routine maintenance service, helping you spot smaller problems before they turn into bigger ones. Not only does that save money in unnecessary repair costs, but it can extend the life of your air conditioning system.

Everyone wants to save money where they can. But when you weigh all the options, using a certified expert will spare you excessive costs and a lot of wasted time. If you need a professional technician for air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning to set up an appointment. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, and are dedicated to doing the job right the first time, every time.

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Repair Question: Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

August 1st, 2013

It doesn’t take an expert to figure out that something’s wrong when your AC blows warm air. An air conditioning unit is supposed to cool your house, not warm it. In Alexandria, VA, air conditioning repair is no laughing matter; no one wants hot air blowing into their homes in the middle of a Virginia summer heat wave. But why would an AC blow hot air in the first place? Why is it that the fan seems to work fine, but the cooling process is ineffective?

In some cases, the explanation may be very simple. Your thermostat may have been set to a “fan” or “heat” setting, which blows plenty of air around, but doesn’t cool it (check on this before you contact a service professional). Another common – and more serious – cause of warm air flow is a low level of refrigerant in your air conditioning system. Without enough refrigerant, the air won’t be cooled properly, and a leak in refrigerant lines means that a service technician will need to hunt down the source of the leak and recharge the system.

Similarly, if the air conditioning system isn’t properly maintained, then dust may build up on key components like the condenser coils or evaporator coils. That can impact the system’s ability to cool the air. You may also be facing a dirty air filter or damaged ducts, which impede the overall flow of air and may affect the flow of cool air into your home.

Unless the thermostat has been set incorrectly, all of these issues mean opening up the air conditioning system and checking for problems, a task best performed by a professional.When your AC starts blowing warm air, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning. Contact us today and set up a service call; we’ll be there to do the job right, and are committed to your 100% satisfaction.

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Signs You Need to Schedule Air Conditioning Repair: An Alexandria, VA AC Tip

July 23rd, 2013

Homeowners expect their air conditioning system to function effectively, and in Alexandria, VA, they need a reliable system to help combat those humid summers. When something goes wrong, a prudent homeowner needs to schedule air conditioning repair as soon as possible to get it back on track. But when should you schedule a repair, and what signs should you look for to indicate that a repair is necessary?

In general, it’s a good idea to avoid do-it-yourself repairs to air conditioning systems. Most AC units contain complex components, and refrigerants need to be handled by qualified professionals with training. Beyond changing the air filter and keeping the outside of the unit free of dirt and debris, it’s wise to refrain from tinkering with the air conditioning yourself. That means you should call in an expert whenever signs of trouble appear. Such signs can include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

  • The air conditioning system refuses to turn on, or doesn’t blow cool air when it does turn on.
  • The air conditioner exhibits strange noises, or sounds unusually loud when it runs.
  • The air conditioner “short cycles” or turns on and off very quickly with less than ten minutes passing between the two states.
  • Ice forms on the evaporator coils or elsewhere on the system.
  • Electric bills are unusually high, even when you don’t use a lot of extra energy in your home.
  • The air conditioning heats the house unevenly, with some areas feeling cooler or more comfortable than others.

Whatever the reason, you want to schedule air conditioning repair that fixes the problem effectively and ensures that you don’t waste money on higher costs and future repair bills. If you suspect that your AC unit is in need of repair, and want it fixed promptly, then call on Polar Bear. We specialize in air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA, and pride ourselves on diagnosing potential problems quickly and accurately. If you suspect your air conditioning system may not be functioning at peak capacity, trust our trained experts to find the best possible solution.

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Arlington, VA Air Conditioning FAQ: Why Ducts Matter

July 15th, 2013

Your ductwork is not merely an add-on to your forced-air distribution system that keeps you cool all summer long. While often overlooked, your ductwork is a vital component, and necessary for your home comfort. There’s simply no substitute for ductwork that is professionally designed and installed according to the unique circumstances of your home. At Polar Bear, we understand the importance of ductwork, which is why we offer custom sheet metal services to our customers in need of professional air conditioning services in the greater Arlington, VA area.

  • Performance: Comfort during a Virginia summer comes down to the effectiveness of your air conditioning. In a central air system, your ducts are responsible for extracting the warm indoor air, sending it through the evaporator coils for cooling, and then returning it throughout your home. But they cannot provide the performance value you need if they are hampered by poor installation, air leaks, or poor connections.
  • Energy efficiency: Another important aspect of staying cool during the summer comes down to energy efficiency. When you installed your AC, it came with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating as well as an estimated cooling output. Because these were meant to match your cooling and efficiency requirements, you need to make sure that your ductwork is also energy efficient, which means that it is not leaking air and that it is properly insulated. Professional ductwork installation can make all the difference, whether your home is 800 or 2000 square feet.
  • System lifespan: Another consideration is the lifespan of your entire system. Because of the vital role that ducts play in the every day operation of your AC, it’s no wonder that much of their wear and tear also impacts your ductwork. And vice-versa. In order to reduce the amount of wear and tear that your AC endures, it’s necessary that you keep your ducts clean and leak-free at all times.

Whether you need a comprehensive ductwork design and installation for your new home, or a simple repair, we can complete the job professionally so that you can get the most out of your air conditioning this summer in Arlington, VA. Call Polar Bear today.

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Alexandria, VA Air Conditioning Tip: Cutting Cooling Costs

July 9th, 2013

Energy prices seem to always be on the rise, which is why more and more homeowners are looking for ways to cut cooling costs. At Polar Bear, we understand that our customers want to stay cool in their homes but they don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to do it. That’s why we decided to put together a quick list of some of the things that you can do in order to reduce the amount of energy that you use to cool your home. Give us a call today if you need air conditioning repair, maintenance or installation in Alexandria, VA,  and we’ll be able to help.

  • Run the fan – Whenever it’s possible, run the fans in your home in addition to your air conditioning system. By plugging in an area fan or turning on your ceiling fans, you can make your rooms feel cooler without needing to turn down the thermostat. Fans can also help circulate the air conditioned air throughout your rooms.
  • Use curtains – During the day, keep the curtains on south face windows closed. This can help prevent solar heat gain. Installing ENERGY STAR rated windows can also make a big difference in how much the sun heats up your home during the day.
  • Use water – Our bodies produce sweat when we’re hot because as the sweat evaporates, it actually cools our body. You can use the same principle in other ways around your house. Consider soaking some towels or rags in cool water and placing them on your neck or wrists. As the water evaporates it will cool your body.
  • Install a programmable thermostat – Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on time of day. If there is a time during the day that your home is usually empty, such as when everyone is at work or school, you can program your AC to turn off. It can turn back on before you come home, which keeps you comfortable and helps you save energy.

Saving energy is good for the environment and for your wallet. Follow these simple tips to cut down on your cooling costs this summer. If you have any questions about our Alexandria, VA air conditioning services, make sure that you call Polar Bear.

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Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

The 4th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Getting to Know Your Air Conditioning System: 3 Basic Components

June 26th, 2013

It is important that homeowners contact a licensed, qualified professional for any Northern Virginia air conditioning services they may need. However, it is also a good idea to get to know the way in which your AC operates a little better. You should never attempt to service your system on your own, but having a basic understanding of the components that make up this system is a great way to ensure that you are able to recognize any problems with its performance. Here are a few components of your air conditioning system that you may not be familiar with, but which are absolutely necessary for its successful operation. Contact Polar Bear today with any questions you may still have.

Compressor

The compressor is located in the outer unit of your air conditioning system, generally speaking. It is the compressor’s job to squeeze the refrigerant when it arrives in order to pack the molecules closer together, increasing its energy and temperature. From here the refrigerant makes its way to the condenser.

Condenser

The condenser, also housed in the outside unit of your air conditioner, is the part that has metal fins. These fins allow heat to dissipate fairly quickly, which in turn allows the refrigerant to reach a much cooler temperature. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser it is no longer a gas but a high-pressure liquid. From here, through a very tiny opening, this liquid enters the evaporator.

Evaporator

The evaporator in your AC system is where the pressure of the refrigerant drops, turning it into a gas. Heat is extracted from the air surrounding it as it evaporates, and a fan is used to circulate the air in your home blows air across the evaporator fins.  When refrigerant leaves the evaporator it heads back to the compressor to repeat the whole process.

To learn more about the components of your air conditioning system or to schedule any AC service, call the pros at Polar Bear. We are happy to help you better understand the way in which your air conditioner cools your home. Contact us today to speak with a Northern Virginia air conditioning expert on our team.

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Arlington, VA AC Tip: Reasons for Inefficient Air Conditioning

June 19th, 2013

When the summer starts to heat up, most homeowners will start to run their air conditioners in Arlington, VA more often. This will usually cause a corresponding increase in energy usage as well. However, if you notice that your energy bills are increasing without an increase in usage, it could mean that your AC isn’t working efficiently. If you need any kind of air conditioning services in Arlington, VA, just call the experts at Polar Bear. We can fix any issue that you might be having and help you get your AC working more efficiently again quickly. Check out a few of the most common reasons why your AC might be running inefficiently.

  • Lack of maintenance – One of the best things that you can do for the efficiency of your air conditioner is to get it regularly inspected and maintained by a professional. During regular maintenance visits, your AC technicians will look for any small problems and issues that could be causing your AC unit to have to work harder than it should.  They will clean all of the parts and fix any problems which could help return some of the efficiency to your system.
  • Clogged air filter – Probably the most common cause of air conditioning inefficiency is a clogged air filter. Your AC has an air filter that is usually located near the return air vent that protects the inside from dust, dirt, insects and other pollutants. If the air filter doesn’t get changed regularly, it could get clogged and restrict the flow of air through the system. This will cause your AC to have to work harder to pull air through it and, thus, reduce the efficiency of the system. By regularly changing your air filter you could be able to make sure that your air conditioner continues to operate at peak efficiency.

For all your air conditioning installation, repair or maintenance in Arlington, VA, just call Polar Bear today. 

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How AC Maintenance Can Minimize Repairs

June 12th, 2013

As the temperature starts to rise here in Virginia, more homeowners are starting to turn on their air conditioning systems. But all this sudden usage can cause a number of undesirable issues for your air conditioning system. Getting regular maintenance for your air conditioning system is a great way to potentially reduce the need for air conditioning repair. As your air conditioning system operates, it will develop small problems. These issues will likely grow and develop into larger, more costly repairs. Maintenance will not only save you money by reducing these repairs, but it can also help your AC run more efficiently.

  • Find problems early – Probably the most obvious way that regular maintenance might be able to reduce the need for repair is by allowing you to find problems early. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians thoroughly inspect and clean all of the he components of your air conditioning system. They will specifically look for any worn out, loose or dirty parts.
  • Find problems before they start – By getting regular air conditioning maintenance you could be able to find problems even before they start. During regular maintenance visits from Polar Bear, our experts will change and replace parts that often break. We’ll replace your air filter, your fan belt and any other parts that need to be changed. This could be able to keep them from ever developing problems.

For any McLean, VA air conditioning repair service you need, make sure that you call Polar Bear. We are passionate about our customers’ satisfaction and the level of workmanship that we do. 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Alexandria, VA: Common Problems with Packaged Systems

June 5th, 2013

A packaged air conditioning unit is unique because all of the system components are packaged together in a single unit. A typical split system, on the other hand, keeps the indoor air handler/evaporator and the outdoor condenser/compressor separate. A packaged system often sits on the roof or outside away from the home. Like all AC units, however, your packaged system may encounter problems during operation that will need to be fixed by a trained professional. While professional installation and routine, preventive maintenance go a long way towards ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable during the summer, some problem are inevitable. Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today for quality air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA.

Let’s take a look at a few common problems with packaged systems:

  • Compressor fault: Your compressor is the engine of the packaged system. It is responsible with pressurizing and circulating the refrigerant through the coils and valve. This is what you hear kick on during start-up. However, because it is so essential to effective operation, it is vital that any problems with its operation be professionally inspected and taken care of.
  • Thermostat miscalibrated: The thermostat is the user interface of the air conditioning system. Without it, the AC would not be able to sense what temperature it is—it would simply be an on/off operation. The thermostat allows you set a desire point for the AC, but if the thermostat is not calibrated to read the temperature accurately, then it will not work properly.
  • Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating the thermal energy absorbed from the indoor air. The exhaust fan assists with this. But if the coils have dirt or debris on them, then this dissipation process cannot possibly be efficient. It may lead to inadequate cooling and even warm air.
  • Low refrigerant: Your refrigerant charge should remain the same throughout the service life of your AC. But if there is a leak in the coils, your refrigerant level could decline, and this leads to higher energy expenditure as well as possible system damage.

Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating today for thorough air conditioning repair in Alexandria, VA.

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